Stuart reaches for the sky

A newly-qualified Royal Air Force officer from Saddleworth is flying high after graduating from a prestigious military college in front of the Queen.

Stuart Homa (22) graduated as a pilot officer from the Officer and Aircrew Cadet Training Unit at RAF Cranwell, near Sleaford, Lincolnshire.

Stuart joined 147 other cadets outside the historic College Hall to parade in front of the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy.

As the Band of the RAF Regiment played there were flypasts by the Red Arrows and by four Typhoon aircraft.

Stuart, whose parents Steven and Sheila still live in Saddleworth, attended Mossley Hollins High School before working as a baker with Bradley’s Bakery, Ashton.

He joined the RAF in October last year and now that he has graduated as an officer he will soon begin his professional training as a pilot.

He said: “I have always wanted to be in the RAF for as long as I can remember. Graduating was the proudest moment in my life and to do it in front of the Queen just made it extra special.” A keen sportsman, Stuart enjoys football, swimming, squash and skiing. He is also a former member of 247 (Ashton) Squadron Air Training Corps.